When Dublin-based Destination Management Company (DMC) Advantage Group were appointed to organise the International Conference on Information Systems (ICIS), the brief was all-encompassing. The client was the Association for Information Systems (AIS), and with over 4,000 members representing universities in over 95 countries worldwide, the sheer scale of the upcoming Dublin edition would require careful planning.

The theme for ICIS 2016 was Digital Innovation at the Crossroads, and Dublin was chosen as the host city for its ease of international accessibility, cultural vibrancy, and local networking opportunities. The information and communication technology sector is extremely strong in Ireland, with major companies like Intel, Microsoft, IMB, Oracle and Accenture all based in the country.

Over 1,700 delegates were expected, meaning a total of 2,421 room nights in the capital were secured across five city centre hotels. Rooms were booked via booking code links to the hotel websites for the Marker Hotel, Clayton Cardiff Lane Hotel, Spencer Hotel, Gibson Hotel and Gresham Hotel. 

Advantage were also tasked with the logistical and financial management of 62 satellite meetings, workshops and receptions, as well as providing transport for all delegates during their five-day stay. On-site staff were lined up for pre-conference meetings and events, as well as during the conference itself; their duties included registration services, management of meetings, and transportation.

Ultimately, ICIS 2016 was a resounding success, receiving the largest attendance in AIS history. Advantage Group collaborated with AIS and local suppliers to ensure the running of all meetings and social events was seamless, while vital on-site staff and assistance were provided throughout the event.

The week’s events concluded with a conference gala evening at the Guinness Storehouse, during which attendees experienced the warmth of Irish hospitality together with fine food and music — on the menu was an array of traditional dishes prepared with modern flair, and complimented with local whiskeys and beers.
Feedback from AIS was very positive: “ICIS 2016 was the largest AIS conference on record, and the entire Advantage team greatly contributed to its success.
The conference would not have been as successful without your commitment, guidance and passion.”